More on that ward-system plan

About 10 people attended the last of 10 informational meetings set up by the Columbus Coalition
for Responsive Covernment.

Jonathan Beard, who is spearheading the coalition’s effort, said that’s a typical number for the
sessions.

The current state of the West and South sides attracted most of the discussion, as residents
expressed disappointment in the current state of their neighborhoods, calling the all at-large city
council “out of touch.”

“We can't let Columbus go. ... This is not working,” said Mayo Makinde, who has been involved
with the East Columbus Civic Association.

Beard, chief executive of the nonprofit Columbus Compact development group, called the effort a
grassroots initiative. He urged attendees to get the word out before the group begins a speaker
series on March 1.